What lessons can Scotland learn about developing and using technology without accumulating moral debt to be paid by future generations?

Once upon a time, technology looked to deliver a bright and liberating future. One that gave us access to boundless information that could enlighten our minds, result in more leisure time and build an increasingly proactive and inclusive world.

In this conversation, Shannon Vallor, philosopher of technology, questioned whether this has been the outcome. Have we incurred a ‘moral debt’? Has artificial intelligence been used to compensate for, bridge or disguise ethical gaps in our institutions? With its dramatic impact on our environment, economy and wellbeing has it been a temporary bandaid for deep structural problems in organisations and society?

Shannon explored how, going forward, data-driven technologies might be capable of improving this scenario. Will we be able to pay any moral debt and will artificial intelligence fulfill its ambition to actually create a more humane and sustainable world?

This discussion anticipates what emerging technologies might bring.